Our Services
Neuroaffirming, family-centred speech therapy for children and young people aged 2–21. We celebrate every child's unique way of communicating and work alongside families to build confidence, connection, and skills that matter.
What Neuroaffirming Therapy Looks Like
At First Words Speech, we take a neuroaffirming approach — meaning we respect and value neurological differences rather than trying to "fix" them. We recognise that autistic children and young people communicate in diverse ways, and our role is to support them in building the skills they need to thrive on their own terms.
Our therapy is family-centred because families know their child best. We work collaboratively with parents, carers, siblings, and educators to ensure strategies are meaningful, practical, and easily carried over into everyday life — at home, at school, and in the community.
Every session is tailored to your child's strengths, interests, and goals. Whether that means using dinosaurs to build vocabulary, Minecraft to practise social language, or Bluey to explore emotions — we meet your child where they are and make therapy engaging, purposeful, and fun.
Strengths-Based
We focus on what your child can do and build from there — celebrating progress and honouring their unique profile.
Neuroaffirming
We respect and value neurological differences. Therapy supports authentic communication — not masking or compliance.
Family-Centred
Parents and carers are partners in therapy. We coach families with practical strategies that work in everyday moments.
Evidence-Based
All therapy is grounded in current research and best practice, with measurable goals tailored to your child.
Comprehensive Speech Therapy Services
Supporting children and young people aged 2–21 across all areas of speech, language, and communication.
Speech Sounds & Articulation
Many children have difficulty producing certain sounds clearly, which can affect how well they're understood by others. We assess your child's speech sound development and provide targeted, play-based therapy to help them produce sounds accurately and confidently.
This service helps with:
Language Development
Language is the foundation for learning, socialising, and self-expression. We support children who are late talkers, have difficulty understanding instructions, or struggle to form sentences and express their ideas. Our approach builds both receptive (understanding) and expressive (using) language skills through meaningful, engaging activities.
This service helps with:
Autism Support
We provide neuroaffirming support for autistic children and young people aged 2–21. Rather than teaching children to mask or conform, we help them develop communication skills that feel authentic and meaningful to them — whether that's through spoken language, gestures, visuals, or AAC. We support emotional regulation, navigating everyday situations, and building communication pathways that honour who they are.
This service helps with:
Fluency & Stuttering
Stuttering can affect a child's confidence and willingness to participate in conversations, class discussions, and social situations. We provide supportive, evidence-based fluency therapy that helps children and young people manage their stutter, build confidence in speaking, and reduce any anxiety around communication — without shame or pressure to speak "perfectly."
This service helps with:
AAC & Alternative Communication
For children and young people who are non-speaking or have limited verbal communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) opens up powerful pathways for expression. We support families in finding the right AAC system — whether that's key word sign, picture exchange, communication boards, or high-tech speech-generating devices — and provide ongoing coaching so AAC becomes a natural part of daily communication.
This service helps with:
Literacy & Reading Support
Speech and language skills are closely connected to reading and writing development. Children with speech sound difficulties, language delays, or learning differences may need targeted support with phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, and written expression. We work alongside schools and educators to ensure therapy goals carry over into the classroom.
This service helps with:
Therapy Across Every Stage
We work with children and young people from toddlers through to young adults, adapting our approach to meet them where they are.
Early Years
Play-based, child-led therapy focused on building first words, understanding, social interaction, and early communication skills. We coach parents to embed strategies into everyday routines like play, mealtimes, and bath time.
Primary School
Targeted therapy for speech sounds, language, literacy, fluency, and social communication. We collaborate with schools and teachers to support your child's learning and participation in the classroom and playground.
Teens & Young Adults
Identity-affirming support for adolescents and young adults navigating social communication, self-advocacy, higher education, and the transition to independence. We respect autonomy and work towards goals that matter to them.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation about your child's history, strengths, and concerns. This helps us understand the full picture before jumping into assessment.
Assessment
A thorough, play-based assessment to understand your child's communication profile. We share our findings with you in plain language and collaborate on goals.
Tailored Therapy
Engaging, evidence-based sessions designed around your child's interests and goals. We provide parent coaching so strategies carry over into daily life.
Progress & Review
We track progress, adjust goals, and provide reports as needed. You're always informed, involved, and empowered throughout the journey.
Social Skills
Social communication is about more than just words — it's how we connect with others. We support children and young people who find social interactions challenging, helping them build skills in turn-taking, reading body language, maintaining conversations, and understanding social cues. Our approach is respectful, play-based, and tailored to each child's unique social world.
This service helps with: